QB Garrett Nussmeier finally dropped a big game performance on Saturday, but it ultimately proved fruitless for LSU. The Tigers were outplayed by HC Clark Lea’s Vanderbilt, losing the game 24-31. Nussmeier left the field in visible tears, prompting David Pollack to give a sad verdict on his podcast.

“Nusmeier played well. Like they actually had some rhythm. They had some time, and they created some big plays. They ran the ball, you know, consistently,” said Pollack on LSU’s offense. Despite the loss, the offense showed up on Saturday. Nussmeier completed 19 out of 28 throws for 225 yards and scored 2 TDs. But despite his best efforts, it wasn’t enough for his side to get back in the game, leaving him emotional while leaving the field after the loss.

The offense did make it close in the third quarter for a while, after Garrett Nussmeier passed to TE Trey’Dez Green, who completed a two-point conversion. This reduced a nine-point deficit to just three. But they had trouble dropping the ball and converting a lot of drives, settling for field goals instead. QB Diego Pavia took advantage of this and ran rampant on the field, extending Vanderbilt’s lead to get the win. But what was LSU’s defense doing during the game? Surprisingly, LSU’s famed defense went quiet on the occasion.

David Pollack pointed out the flaws in the defense, saying, “They looked absolutely terrible” during the game. They allowed Vanderbilt a lot of drives, and could not make important stops when needed. Vanderbilt were able to make two 4th down conversions. The linebackers struggled to cover routes. They also had 9 missed tackles, unable to stop the rushing plays that Vanderbilt’s offense was putting up. Even the quick passing while moving in the pocket was too much to handle for HC Brian Kelly’s defense and allowed Pavia to freely make plays.

The loss put the Tigers at #9 in the SEC, with a 5-2 record. While a loss isn’t the end of the world for LSU, it’s the fact is that they face two giants in their schedule next, which could be worrying. “I wish I could offer you some great news, LSU fans. I wish I could tell you that good things are coming. You got A&M and Bama next,” said Pollack in a mocking yet worrying tone. After getting outplayed by Vanderbilt, facing Texas A&M and Alabama would’ve been the last thing Brian Kelly wanted.

Clark Lea’s tactics outplayed LSU and Garrett Nussmeier on Saturday

After thwarting LSU’s possible comeback, HC Clark Lea would have been happy with the way his side performed. The victory meant that it led Vanderbilt to victories over a top-ten side in back-to-back seasons. Facing LSU, Lea made the decision not to pressure the cornerbacks vertically but horizontally.

This was because LSU has one of the best cornerback systems in the country. CBs Zy Alexander, Ashton Stamps, and Sage Ryan were targeted horizontally throughout the game, making it easier for Vanderbilt to create rushing routes and slice between the defense. David Pollack credited the tactic, saying, “They targeted them 10 times. They had eight receptions and did a great job staying between the hashes, staying away from their best players.”

Adding Pavia’s influence on the game meant a difficult night for the Tigers’ defense. He completed 14 out of 22 throws for 160 yards and rushed for 86 yards in 17 carries, adding 2 TDs. He enabled the offense to play freely up the field, and Vanderbilt looked like a side that does not fear any of the top teams. Where does this confidence come from? David Pollack believes that HC Clark Lea is the reason for Vanderbilt’s confidence this season.

“Clark Lea’s got everybody going nuts. Everybody’s anchoring down. They’re so used to beating top 10 teams now, they don’t even tell the crowd to tear goalposts down anymore. They keep them up,” expressed Pollack on Clark Lea’s influence on Vanderbilt’s team this season.  The victory leapfrogged them above LSU in the SEC standings at #8. And they will hope to get a win when they face Missouri next week.